The green deal is no longer an unknown matter for businesses and people in Bulgaria. And green has long been a symbol not only of environmental policies or forward-looking nature conservation intentions. The real transformation of the economy has already begun and all specialists are checking their clocks with the conference for a sustainable future.
This year the forum will be held in the period 20 – 22 June, and the expert speaking in Sofia will reverberate throughout Europe. This is a clear sign that Bulgaria is not a party to sustainable policies, on the contrary – our country is an unavoidable factor, having a vision, approach and proposals for the transition. And all this will happen just a few months before the world climate meeting COP 29. The event is already regional and it will be about not only national frameworks, but also policies that the countries of Central and Eastern Europe will lead together, in a coordinated manner.
The first day of the event will focus on energy and its key role in the transition. Participants from across the region will debate important topics such as energy independence in the Balkans, energy connectivity, the possibilities of energy storage systems, renewable energy and the future of base stations. The participants will also have a special message for the upcoming COP 29, which this year will be held in the United Arab Emirates.
On the very first day of Green Transition, a round table will be held on the vision and energy strategy of Bulgaria. That is where the clash of opinions of ministers and experts will take place, because this is the foundation and the direction in which the entire Energy sector will move for decades to come.
The focus of the second day of the event will be on sustainable finance, the circular economy and decarbonisation. Ministers and experts from European banks will look for the best options not only for financing, but also for innovation, training and sustainable use of resources. In parallel, there will be a debate on the possibility of green investments being made wisely and supported by the state. These policies cannot do without new technologies, ESG norms and education. It is precisely for this reason that the participants in Green Transition 2023 will have a special focus on this section of the green transition as well.
The organizers have provided a special place for digitization and education in the conditions of the transition. There will also be a special hybrid panel with a biotech studio showcasing innovations in medicine and healthcare.
A green transition without people is also unthinkable, and this is enshrined in the concept of the third day of the Green Transition 2023 event. This day will look at sustainable options for transport security and vehicle electrification. A key element in the discussion will be smart and green cities and their cyber security. Issues of sustainable agriculture will be the focus of this day of the event, along with the opportunities offered by the agritech sector. This is of particular importance to all of us, because every day we must remember that we live on a planet with limited resources, which we must use properly. Farming is no longer just about maximising yield per acre, it is a modern sector working for people and protecting biodiversity. All this has to happen and at an affordable price for people.
Participation and interest in Green Transition 2023 have already been confirmed by a number of countries from Central and Eastern Europe, and the time to the forum is advancing rapidly. At the previous edition of the event in Sofia, there were over 150 speakers from more than 10 countries. The current format already requires an even greater regional presence of experts, European commissioners, ministers – all directly or indirectly responsible for the environment, regional development and energy. The conference will also be a litmus test for the mood of experts and politicians who are already aware of how urgent and difficult the green path Europe has taken will be.